Gaines joined PBS in 2018 from global PR and communications firm Burson-Marsteller, where he served as Managing Director, providing counsel to clients in corporate reputation, executive visibility and crisis management. Prior to that, Gaines was Vice President of Corporate Communications at Gannett (now TEGNA), where he led all internal and external communications for the media company.

Earlier, Gaines spent 14 years at MSNBC, ultimately serving as Vice President of Corporate Communications, directing all corporate communications and media relations for the cable news network. During his tenure, he also held roles in strategic development, responsible for enhancing MSNBC’s business, competitive position and public image; and as an Associate Producer for The News with Brian Williams.

Gaines began his career as Assistant Press Secretary for the 1992 Clinton/Gore presidential campaign before serving at the White House as a Press Assistant and, later, as Deputy Director of Press Advance. A graduate of Carleton College, he holds a B.A. in Political Science.